Blockchain Technology Fundamentals Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to Blockchain and Core Concepts

• Definition of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
• Key characteristics: Immutability, Transparency, Decentralization
• The history and evolution of blockchain (Bitcoin to Web3)
• Centralized vs. Decentralized vs. Distributed systems
• Basic structure of a block and the chain
• Practical session: Tracing a transaction across a simplified visual representation of a blockchain ledger

Module 2: Cryptography Fundamentals for Blockchain

• Hashing algorithms (SHA-256) and their role in block creation
• Properties of cryptographic hash functions (deterministic, collision resistance)
• Public-key cryptography and key pairs (private and public keys)
• Digital signatures for transaction authentication
• Merkle Trees and their function in verifying transaction integrity
• Practical session: Using a cryptographic hashing tool to verify the immutability of data and generate key pairs

Module 3: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

• Components of a Distributed Ledger
• Data replication and synchronization across nodes
• Comparison of blockchain with traditional databases (DB)
• Benefits of DLT beyond cryptocurrency (asset tracking, voting)
• Addressing the "Double Spending" problem using DLT
• Practical session: Simulating the data reconciliation process when two distributed nodes receive different transaction orderings

Module 4: Consensus Mechanisms and Algorithms

• The fundamental need for consensus in decentralized systems
• Proof-of-Work (PoW): mining, energy consumption, and security
• Proof-of-Stake (PoS): staking, validators, and efficiency
• Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) and its speed advantages
• Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) and Practical BFT algorithms
• Practical session: Analyzing a case study to select the most appropriate consensus mechanism for a private enterprise consortium

Module 5: Decentralized Networks and Node Operations

• Types of nodes: Full Nodes, Light Nodes, and Miner/Staking Nodes
• Peer-to-peer networking architecture
• Node synchronization and data propagation across the network
• Incentivization mechanisms for running and securing nodes
• Understanding network latency and throughput constraints
• Practical session: Setting up a local, simple private blockchain network with two or more virtual nodes

Module 6: Understanding Transactions and Block Structure

• Anatomy of a blockchain transaction (inputs, outputs, signature)
• Transaction validation and pool (mempool) processing
• How transactions are grouped and added to a block
• Block headers, timestamps, and the "Nonce"
• Linking blocks via the previous block's hash
• Practical session: Deconstructing a publicly available Bitcoin or Ethereum transaction to identify its key components and verify its hash

Module 7: Public vs. Private vs. Consortium Blockchains

• Characteristics and use cases of public (permissionless) blockchains
• Characteristics and use cases of private (permissioned) blockchains
• Defining consortium (hybrid) blockchain models
• Trade-offs in performance, security, and access control
• Considerations for enterprise adoption and identity management
• Practical session: Designing a decision matrix to advise a client on choosing between a public and a private blockchain for a supply chain application

Module 8: Introduction to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

• Bitcoin as the first successful implementation of blockchain
• Understanding the concept of scarcity and tokenomics
• The role of the Genesis Block and the mining process
• Wallet types: hot, cold, hardware, and custodial wallets
• Transaction fees and network congestion
• Practical session: Using a block explorer to track the history and movement of a cryptocurrency transaction

Module 9: Smart Contracts and Ethereum Fundamentals

• Definition and execution model of Smart Contracts
• The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and its role
• Gas fees, execution costs, and optimization
• State transition functions and contract creation
• Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) basics
• Practical session: Deploying a simple "Hello World" smart contract to a local test environment (like Ganache)

Module 10: Blockchain Development Tools and Frameworks

• Introduction to major enterprise frameworks (Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda)
• Using development suites (Truffle, Hardhat)
• Integrating with Web3 libraries (web3.js, ethers.js)
• Oracles: connecting real-world data to smart contracts
• Version control and managing contract updates
• Practical session: Using a development framework to set up a new project structure ready for smart contract coding

Module 11: Introduction to Solidity Programming

• Basic syntax and data types in Solidity
• Contract structure: state variables, functions, modifiers
• Function visibility and security considerations
• Using Events for off-chain communication
• The concept of the contract address and ABI
• Practical session: Writing a basic Solidity contract for a simple token or access control list

Module 12: Decentralized Applications (DApps) and Web3

• Architecture of a Decentralized Application (DApp)
• Front-end integration with Web3 providers (Metamask)
• Interaction between the front-end and the Smart Contract
• IPFS and decentralized storage solutions
• User experience and adoption challenges for DApps
• Practical session: Building a simple web front-end to interact with the previously deployed Smart Contract via a Web3 library

Module 13: Token Standards (ERC-20, ERC-721, etc.)

• Understanding Fungible Tokens (ERC-20 standard)
• Understanding Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) (ERC-721 standard)
• The role of token standards in creating liquidity and compatibility
• Utility Tokens vs. Security Tokens
• Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Token Generation Events (TGEs)
• Practical session: Modifying the basic Solidity contract to implement core functions of the ERC-20 standard

Module 14: Blockchain Scalability Solutions (Layer 2)

• The "Blockchain Trilemma" (Decentralization, Security, Scalability)
• Overview of Layer 1 scalability improvements (sharding)
• Introduction to Layer 2 solutions: Rollups (Optimistic and ZK)
• Sidechains and their use in off-loading transactions
• State Channels and plasma solutions
• Practical session: Comparing the transaction costs and speed of a Layer 1 vs. a hypothetical Layer 2 transaction

Module 15: Blockchain Security, Privacy, and Risks

• Common Smart Contract vulnerabilities (Reentrancy, Integer Overflow)
• Best practices for secure smart contract coding and auditing
• Understanding 51% attacks and network defense
• Privacy solutions: Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)
• Regulatory and legal risks associated with DLT
• Practical session: Analyzing a sample vulnerable smart contract and proposing fixes to mitigate a known security flaw

Module 16: Interoperability and Cross-Chain Communication

• The need for communication between different blockchains
• Centralized vs. Decentralized Bridges
• Atomic Swaps for direct peer-to-peer asset exchange
• Standardization efforts for cross-chain transactions
• Risks and security challenges of blockchain bridges
• Practical session: Discussing the architectural requirements for enabling a token created on one chain to be used on another via a bridge

Module 17: Governance Models in Decentralized Systems

• On-chain vs. Off-chain governance
• Voting mechanisms in DAOs and decentralized protocols
• Dispute resolution and community management
• The role of stakeholders in protocol upgrades
• Case studies of governance successes and failures
• Practical session: Participating in a mock governance vote to decide on a simple protocol upgrade rule

Module 18: Blockchain Applications and Industry Use Cases

• Decentralized Finance (DeFi): lending, borrowing, and AMMs
• Enterprise applications: supply chain, provenance, and identity
• Government applications: digital voting and land registries
• Intellectual Property and royalty management
• The future of Web3 and the Metaverse
• Practical session: Analyzing the architectural decisions made in a real-world supply chain tracking system built on Hyperledger Fabric

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588